Metamatic

Foxx's solo debut after leaving Ultravox!, Metamatic, achieves the same emotional transcendence as his previous group's early highlight, Systems of Romance, despite a new reliance not just on synthesizers, but on a musical framework dependent on them. On Metamatic, Foxx cultivates a curious air of disinterest that never seems truly bored, but is much more extreme than even his unarguably distant vocal style for Ultravox! Make no mistake, Metamatic sounds dated and very much so in places but, given the advancing technology in its genre it is hardly surprising. What it does show is a distinct ear for sound, experimenting and ultimately writing songs which had the ability to be commercial successes. The album’s first single, Underpass is style commonly regarded as one of the most iconic of the synthesizer movement. At the time, Metamatic was astonishing. It fused the previously underground sound of electronic music from the likes of Cabaret Voltaire, pre-fame Human League and The Normal with chart potential via almost minimalist tracks which resulted from six-track recordings creating a sparse almost dystopian end product. Opening with Plaza, the track contains sweeping synth sounds and light percussive accompaniment making it simple but addictive at the same time. It creates an almost empty, echoing atmosphere filled with suspense and eerie proportion. Underpass is grandiose in the extreme, a gripping bassline and single-word chorus of anthemic status, the track appears on many compilations of the era as a benchmark track. Metal Beat holds an amount of irony as it feels anything but metallic, fluid in its feel it gurgles and reverbs with several interesting effects before giving way to No-One Driving, possibly the albums finest moment which is has a pure, classic sounding pop buzz. Its perfect pop formula fused with enough originality to make it an especially memorable moment.

In summary, Metamatic is a must for all electro connoisseurs. It stakes its claim as an early landmark in the genre and whilst it has since been overtaken in sound by continuing leaps in technology (of which Foxx is still at the forefront), it will remain a reference point for many a year to come.

Ripped from the 2007 Deluxe 2CD Edition to shiny, shiny MP3 @ 320kbps

John Foxx; Metamatic

1.      Plaza

2.      He’s A Liquid

3.      Underpass

4.      Metal Beat

5.      No-One Driving

6.      A New Kind Of Man

7.      Blurred Girl

8.      030

9.      Tidal Wave

10.   Touch And Go

Disc 2

11.   Film One

12.   This City

13.   To Be With You

14.   Cinemascope

15.   Burning Car

16.   Glimmer

17.   Mr No

18.   Young Love

19.   20th Century

20.   My Face

21.   Like A Miracle (Alternative Version)

22.   A New Kind Of Man (Alternative Version)

23.   He’s A Liquid (Alternative Version)